Mark Butler to stay on as Health Minister The RACGP President says he is looking forward to continuing a collaborative relationship with Minister Butler, as the Prime Minister confirms his cabinet.
Pledge to boost GP access in after-hours telehealth The election commitment from the Labor Party would expand GPs’ role in after-hours telehealth through a rebranded advice line.
‘A referendum on Medicare’: Frontbenchers clash in Canberra A ‘brittle consensus’ or not? On Wednesday, Mark Butler and Anne Ruston debated their parties’ respective health policies at the National Press Club.
‘No plans’ to allow private health cover of GP care The Health Minister ruled out scrapping a ban on the insurers subsidising GP visits, citing concerns it would create a two-tier healthcare system.
Survey feeds concern over costs for GP care A Cleanbill report has indicated falling bulk-billing rates and growing fees for non-concession cardholders – but officials have queried its findings.
General practice ‘front and centre’ this Federal Election An overhaul of bulk billing and the GP workforce are emerging as key issues ahead of the 2025 election, with Labor expected to announce major changes.
‘Keep up the momentum’: New RACGP President visits Parliament Dr Michael Wright has met with politicians of all sides in Canberra, taking the concerns and ideas of GPs directly to the nation’s health decisionmakers.
GPs are ‘specialists in life’: Health Minister addresses GP24 Mark Butler has vowed to keep seeking GPs’ input, as Australia walks the ‘path towards a more multidisciplinary, GP-led, team-based primary care’.
‘Unprecedented’ demand on PBAC forces extra meeting Its capacity has been exceeded by a ‘huge pipeline of new medicines’, after companies put forward a record number of submissions.
Final Scope of Practice Review revealed It found ‘virtually all’ health professions face barriers working to full scope, but the RACGP labelled the review ‘reductionist’, urging decisionmakers caution in considering its recommendations.